[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 156 (2010), Part 6]
[Senate]
[Pages 8687-8688]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




               COMMENDING PRIME MINISTER KOSOR OF CROATIA

  Mr. BEGICH. Mr. President, today I honor Madame Jadranka Kosor, the 
Prime Minister of Croatia, on the occasion of her visit to Washington, 
DC. I congratulate her on becoming the first female Prime Minister of 
Croatia. Additionally, I commend Croatia for its promotion of genuine 
cooperation in southeast Europe fostering strong relations, stability 
and prosperity with her neighbors. As a graduate of the Faculty of Law 
in Zagreb, Vice Prime Minister, Minister of the Family, Veterans' 
Affairs and Intergenerational Solidarity, she is a woman of much 
accomplishment.
  Prime Minister Kosor is dedicated to leading Croatia on its final 
stages of

[[Page 8688]]

accession toward membership in the European Union. This is an action 
strongly supported by the United States. I recognize Prime Minister 
Kosor's efforts and determination in carrying out all the necessary 
reforms in this process. She has helped to strengthen the rule of law 
and the economy of her country in order for it to flourish and enter 
into the European Union.
  Croatia is a strong supporter of the United States and its efforts to 
restore stability and peace to many parts of the world. Croatia is one 
of the two newest NATO members and a staunch ally of the United States. 
In Afghanistan Croatia has assisted the United States for years with 
troops and other ground personnel.
  Many years ago my paternal grandfather left Croatia for a new life in 
America. His son, my father, was the first Croatian American elected to 
the House of Representatives. I am proud to be the first Croatian 
American elected to the U.S. Senate. I am honored to meet with Prime 
Minister Kosor to discuss our nations' mutual support for democracy 
around the world.
  Mr. President and colleagues, please join me in welcoming Prime 
Minister Kosor to the United States and honoring the friendship our two 
countries have.

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